Former Rock Bridge hooper spends off season coaching up his community
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
After spending the past two seasons in Europe, Ja'Monta Black is bringing his professional knowledge back to his alma matter.
The former Bruin guard is making time to give back to his community by hosting a youth camp for hoopers of all ages.
In the debut of his skills camp, Black returns to Rock Bridge's campus where he hopes to pass down what he has learned through his decades of playing.
"I put together this camp because I wanted to so somethings like this my whole life," said Black. "I went to a lot of camps around the Columbia area, so I knew once I got older I would want to put on something like this too."
You can watch the full interview with Ja'Monta Black in the video player above.
Black lead Rock Bridge to a state championship in 2019, and brought that success with him throughout his career. His final collegiate season was his most successful, setting the single season three-pointers made record, along with the most attempted triples and minutes played.
After college, he signed to play overseas, and in his debut year in Spain he made the Segunda FEB championship with Caceres, and brought home the gold in his second season while playing for Cordoba CB. His travels across all levels of basketball have influenced him in a way he never though possible, and is now trying to do the same for the next generation.
"I've been with a lot of different culture, a lot of different coaches, a lot of different players and teammates, who all influenced me a lot," said Black. "I've seen a lot of different things so it just allows me to teach them in a better way."
After being in the shoes as many of his campers, he's hoping that this camp is something that he can continue annually and help more kids from his community.
"I'm just hoping for more kids. I'm blessed to have the amount of kids that I have now. I'm not taking anything for granted. I don't care if it was one kid that showed up, as long as one kid comes in here ready to work, I'm ready to give them everything I have. It's just a blessing to have any amount of kids.
Black is hoping to teach these kids lessons both on and off the court, stating that the best way to be successful, is to believe in yourself.
"I just hope that they get to always be confident, I preach that in all of my workouts. Always be confident, believe in yourself, so that's my number one thing."
